There are many diseases that do not have any cures until now. These diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites that get into your body and cause illness.
A lot of these diseases can be prevented with vaccines. But some still exist today, especially Hib meningitis, which causes brain damage and death in kids who don’t have a vaccine.
Leprosy
Leprosy is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium leprae. This bacterium damages the skin and nerves of people who are infected with it.
The early symptoms of this disease are very subtle and take years to appear. They include a red patch on the skin or sores in the hands and feet.
The bacillus that causes leprosy is not very contagious and can only be spread by prolonged, direct contact with the infected person. It may be passed through droplets from the infected person’s nose and mouth.
Guinea Worm Disease
Guinea Worm Disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is a parasitic infection that affects poor communities in remote areas of Africa. It’s caused by a single parasite called Dracunculus medinensis.
It spreads through drinking contaminated water. It’s most common in rural villages where people don’t have access to clean water.
Once the worm larvae enter the body, they’re carried to subcutaneous tissue (the space just beneath the skin). The worms slowly emerge from the patient, creating a painful blister.
Treatment consists of manually extracting the worm from the affected area. It’s a painful process that can take weeks or months.
Measles
Measles is a virus that can cause serious illness and death in children. While death rates have been falling worldwide as more people get vaccinated, measles still kills 200,000 people a year.
The disease is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets (particles) released by a person who is infected. These particles remain infectious on surfaces and air for about two hours.
Infection usually begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis). It is followed by a rash that is red and looks like it is made of tiny raised spots and bumps that are in tight clusters.
Complications from measles include pneumonia, ear infections and inflammation of the throat (laryngitis). Rare but serious neurologic complications can occur including swelling of the brain and encephalitis.
Pica
Pica is a disorder where people eat non-food items that aren’t normally eaten. It can happen in people of all ages, and can be more common in developing countries.
It’s important to get a diagnosis for pica as soon as possible. This will help prevent serious medical problems and reduce the risk of further complications.
A doctor can diagnose Pica when someone persistently eats non-food substances for a period of at least one month. This behavior is not part of a culturally supported or socially normative practice and is severe enough to warrant independent clinical attention (e.g., if the behavior occurs during pregnancy or in the presence of another mental disorder).
Bird Flu
Bird Flu is a disease that kills birds, especially poultry. This disease is caused by a virus that is called avian influenza and is part of the family of viruses known as Orthomyxoviridae.
This virus can cause a mild illness or a serious one. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, breathing problems and death.
People can become infected with the virus by handling sick birds or contaminated surfaces and environments. They can also get it from eating raw poultry meat if they do not wash their hands before eating.